As the countdown reaches zero, the display screens flicker and switch to the new logo for Survival Instinct, the letters dripping blood. A voice comes across the speakers, sounding much like a middle aged man versed in public speaking, his words crisp and bright, "Welcome Rhydin to the primier broadcast of Survival Instinct, the newest reality TV show from Downfall Studios!"

"Tonight we're going to explain what the show is all about, and how the trials in the show work. Finally, we'll get to meet our first contestants for tomorrow's opening episode! And now the host of the show, Kain Starsong!"

The logo vanished to be replaced by the madman standing on a backlit stage, bowing to the screen in his signature black and red leathers. "Thank you, thank you. I am Kain Starsong and tonight I bring you Survival Instinct, the show where everyday citizens of our fair city get to discover just how far they will go to survive!"

"Each week we will introduce our contestants for the episode. How can you become a contestant' Don't worry, we'll find you. Though our rules do require contestants to be family or close friends together. During the episode, our lucky contestants will arrive in our stadium where they will undertake a challenge, with the prize being survival and escape!"

"Take for instance tomorrows contestants, the Iverson family! Father, John Iverson, his wife Minerva Iverson and their sun Joseph Iverson. Let's meet our contestants!" The screen wipes to show a scene of a stark white room, lit from all over with no shadows apparent. In the center of the room are three medical gurneys. Atop each gurney is a member of the Iverson family, fastened down with straps. Only the mother appears to be conscious, muffled screams heard as she struggles franticly.

Kain's voice returns, "Oh, it looks like John and Jo are still dealing with the effects of our Selection Agent's Welcome Spray. Don't worry though, tomorrow before the episode we'll have an interview with each of our lucky contestants. Be sure to stay tuned for that!"

The screen switches back to the stage with Kain standing, "And now it's time to explain the rules of the show! While the specific nature of each episode's challenge will change, the overall rules remain the same. Most challenges can only have one winner, but variations may happen. During each challenge, the contestants will need to make hard choices to decide who the winner will be. Will the Father sacrifice his prize, giving it to his son and wife" Will the loving wife scramble to get the prize herself" Will the son be too terrified to even play' We'll find out."

"Now just to make sure our audience doesn't feel left out, we've come up with a way where you can join the game yourself! During each pre-episode show, viewers will have the opportunity to complete their own challenge. Finishing this challenge will award the prizes to all that episode's contestants!"

Now Kain's scarred face breaks out into a wicked grin as he looks right at the camera, "What's the viewer challenge? It's quite simple. The broadcast tower in the center of the market square is equipped with a camera where the public can get their air time on the show. Just bring a new contestant to this camera and cut out their heart, it's that easy!"

"And now we go live to the market square location. Our camera is on and waiting for questions from the audience. Come on down and give us your two cents!"

For a long while Kain stands on-stage, waiting. Gradaully his face starts showing signs of annoyance and impatience, his foot starting to tap on the stage. "Well folks, it looks like we don't have much of an audience yet. That's a real shame. Hopefully future episodes will have a little more energy to them. See you tomorrow Rhydin!"

The screen fades to the Survival Instinct logo, with a new countdown over it, twenty four hours till showtime!